central nervous system

noun

: the part of the nervous system which in vertebrates consists of the brain and spinal cord, to which sensory impulses are transmitted and from which motor impulses pass out, and which coordinates the activity of the entire nervous system compare peripheral nervous system

Examples of central nervous system in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Fibromyalgia This condition — which experts believe may be caused by central sensitization, or when the central nervous system becomes hypersensitive to pain — causes widespread pain, fatigue and sleep disturbances. — Cheyenne Buckingham, Washington Post, 24 Oct. 2026 Ambien, or zolpidem, acts on GABA-A receptors in the central nervous system to produce a sedative effect, states FDA prescribing information. — Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026 She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a chronic disease in which the immune system attacks the central nervous system, disrupting communication between the brain and the rest of the body. — Jasmine Arenas, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026 Doctors will look for damage in the form of lesions in different areas of the central nervous system, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS). — ABC News, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for central nervous system

Word History

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of central nervous system was in 1826

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Cite this Entry

“Central nervous system.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/central%20nervous%20system. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

central nervous system

noun
: the part of the nervous system that in vertebrates consists of the brain and spinal cord

Medical Definition

central nervous system

noun
: the part of the nervous system which in vertebrates consists of the brain and spinal cord, to which sensory impulses are transmitted and from which motor impulses pass out, and which supervises and coordinates the activity of the entire nervous system compare autonomic nervous system, peripheral nervous system

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